What a gloriously sunny and cold week this week has been with clear blues skies and frost on the car in the morning. We are particularly enjoying the warmth flowing through our radiators today because it has been a rather chilly week at home. Our boiler had been struggling and on Tuesday evening with a hiss and a clang, and a flood of flowing water through the overflow it ended its days. An early morning 1am visit by Cadent quickly followed to seal off the gas supply and make the house safe and we 'layered up' (with quite a few extra socks and jumbers) resigned to wait until help could come. Fortunately, the wonderful company which services the church boilers came to our rescue and God looked kindly on us too...(thank you to those who prayed) and instead of waiting until next Wednesday or Thursday as the earliest date for a new boiler to be fitted, an early slot and a new boiler just happened 'coincidentally' to become available and was fitted yesterday. Amazingly, what was going to be a two day job, became a smooth running one day job, with gas switch on late yesterday. We are so incredibly grateful. God is good. This has also been a time of reflection... not only about environmental issues, but about people who are struggling to heat their homes this year who also juggle that awful dilemma of providing food or heating for their families. Sadly, more and more people are likely to be affected this year as finances tighten. Flitwick Church offers a meal bag service with all the required ingredients and a recipe to provide a hot meal for a family, or for others who need support. I wonder if this is perhaps something we can do practically, in addition to our existing support to the food banks? Or perhaps you may have some ideas about how our churches can reach out. At Toddington, we issued food hampers at Christmas, but these problems are there all year round. As the body of Christ, how best can we reach out to make a difference? I can't help thinking about the story of many star fish stranded on a beach, and the little boy picked up one star fish at a time and threw it back into the ocean. When challenged that it was pointless. He replied..'Well, it made a difference to that one!' How can we as church Make a Difference?Services for Sunday 23 January 2021- Epiphany 3.9.30am Chalgrave Church - Holy Communion10am Harlington Service of Christian Unity at the Village Hall, led by Churches together in Harlington, for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity(9.30am Harlington Church - a short service of Morning Prayer for those not able to join CTH service)11am Toddington Church - Service of Holy Communion11am Westoning Church - Service of Holy Communion3pm Tingrith Church - Service of Holy Communion6pm Online Upper Room Service with a theme of 'Being the Body of Christ'. Meeting ID: 829 7241 4804. Passcode from Nigel or LindaOther Events this weekMonday Morning Prayer Toddington 9.30am, Craft Time 2-4pm Wilkinson Hall (once a month, 4th Monday) Monday 4pm 'The Bible Course' at Toddington Rectory - (Please register with Linda - All welcome but numbers limited to 6). Monday 7.45pm 'The Bible Course' online by zoom: Meeting ID: 864 6301 4633. Passcode from LindaTuesday Toddington Knitting group Wilkinson Hall 10.30amTuesday Westoning: Westcaf 10am and Sewing Bees 1pm Village HallWednesday Morning Service 10am Harlington ChurchFriday Toddington Painting for Pleasure group 10.30am Wilkinson HallFriday Westoning Little Stars 1.15pm Church and 2pm Friday Fellowship Village HallThis week we give thanks for the special time held at various occasions, Chalgrave 'Pop Up Tea Room' (next meets on 23rd February - 4th Wednesday on the month), for Toddington Coffee Morning and Fellowship Time, for Westoning Westcaf, Sewing Bee, Little Stars and Friday Fellowship, and all gatherings. We thank you for the fellowship and for your help, for all those who serve and support, and for the funds raised to help maintain the work of the churches.Please hold in your prayers this week:Those who are sick and awaiting operations or are receiving treatment.Those who grieve and those who have died.Our SchoolsThe Government and those who lead.Those affected by Coronavirus, either directly, or through the delay of other treatment or diagnosis.All who work in the health, care and emergency sectorsPlease do take care of yourselves and stay safe. We have never known a week like the week past with so many commitments cancelled due to Covid. Whilst we hear nationally infections are reducing, it certainly doesn't feel like it on the ground. I wonder if there may be a slight correlation between the lack of Lateral Flow test kits available and a decline in the numbers of people testing positive. Please look after yourselves and continue to take precautions for now.We send you our love and prayers Linda and Nigel
Hello everyoneWe wish you and your family good health and happiness and hope this week has been a good week. In a return to cold frosty mornings and some sunshine to brighten the day, after the heavy rain at the beginning of the week, Nigel and I finally summoned up the energy to head to the coast to see the sea.. and at 4.29 pm yesterday we stood on the cliffside at Southbourne looking across to Swanage and the Purbeck Hills and watched the most beautiful sunset shining forth across a clear sky and millpond sea, the reflections and evening light were so beautiful (picture attached). How can we but praise our God for his wonderful creation.This week my thoughts have turned frequently to those who grieve the loss of loved ones, work colleagues and friends and those with family members working within the medical, caring and emergency services for whom we have prayed, anxious for their well being, during this pandemic. My heart goes out to all who mourn but with a special depth of sorrow for those who had to mourn in isolation - without the support of family and friends alongside, or who have faced enormous medical moments alone in hospital. How challenging these past months have been for so many people, in many different ways. It was good to read this week that the latest wave of Omicron may finally have passed the peak. We look forward to moving into a new season. This year, Toddington Church celebrates its 800 years milestone and we are looking forward with hope in our hearts to times of joy as we celebrate this special anniversary. More information to follow. But the first event to mention is Bridget's initiative to walk over 800 miles within 7 months. Aware of the many positive qualities of a walk... not least to walk, share and talk, she invites others to join her, whether for one mile, or more. Please do get in touch if you fancy a walk! (You are of course very welcome to also offer to sponsor her, to help raise funds for our beautiful church).Chalgrave Church is looking forward to joining the community at the next Pop-Up Tea-Room at Tebworth Memorial Hall on Wednesday from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Last time was so successful it will become a regular monthly feature. (poster attached)Do please let us know of any future church events which you would like us to mention and do check on the church websites, A Church Near You and Facebook pages for updates.This Sunday's services:Harlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - NigelChalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - LindaTingrith Church - No service this weekToddington Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - LindaWestoning Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - NigelThe Upper Room returns online at 6.00 pm. Theme: New Year Resolve. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86914811575?pwd=MVRIL1hnSWw2OHRBZjAwNjhOQTlQZz09Please contact Revd Linda for joining instructionsServices and Events this week:Monday 17th JanuaryMorning Prayer at Toddington Church 9.30 amTuesday 18th JanuaryWestcaf - Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 noonKnitting Group - Wilkinson Hall Toddington 10.30 amSewing Bee Westoning Village Hall 1.00 – 3.00 pmChalgrave PCC meeting 8.00 pm - The RectoryWednesday 19th January10.00 am Morning Service, Harlington ChurchPop-Up Tea Room, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, Tebworth Memorial Hall (with refreshments and a book stall)TWIG 3.30 – 5.00 pm Westoning Village HallWestoning PCC 7.30 pm at church.Thursday 20th JanuaryFellowship Time 2.00 pm Wilkinson HallToddington PCC 7.30 pm - ZoomFriday 21st JanuaryPainting for Pleasure group 10.30 am Wilkinson HallLittle Stars 1.15 pm Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship – 2.00 pm, Westoning Village HallThank you all so much for your wonderful support to all the churches in so many different ways. It really is a fantastic team effort.We wish you a good week, with good health and happiness.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello EveryoneWe hope you have had a reasonable week and are keeping Covid-free. The infection rates in our areas are particularly high at present, so do please keep safe. There will be a supply of lateral flow tests available in the churches, if you need a box.This week I enjoyed going back into St George's Lower school to take an assembly and Nigel and I are beginning to 'Rev' up again but both of us have been feeling exceptionally tired post-Christmas, as I suspect many of you are too. I always find January a difficult month with the lack of sunlight and cold, dark days.. but already we are noticing that the days are getting longer which is so encouraging. As I drove the other morning appreciating the sunshine and sunlight, I praised God for the beautiful scenery in the fields alongside. I also love lighting candles in the fireplace which flicker and glow alongside a log fire - so comforting. I wonder which day you removed your Christmas decorations? Was it by Wednesday last week the twelfth night before Epiphany started on Thursday.. or a long time before? I always cling to the last moment enjoying the twinkling lights in the darkness... but all is now clear, and we move forward further into the new year.Last Sunday we celebrated Epiphany in church and the Wise Men (or the Kings) were placed into the crib as they arrived to visit baby Jesus. This Sunday we continue further into the Epiphany season, on a journey of realisation of Jesus, as he grows into His ministry as the Son of God. We remember this week the baptism of Jesus' by John the Baptism and alongside the people of Israel we too can have expectation in our hearts as we enter this new year, anticipating emergence from Covid and a new year, with new promise. May the Light of Christ lead you on your way!This Sunday's Services are:Chalgrave Church Holy Communion Service 9.30 am - LindaHarlington Church - Family Breakfast club – 9.00 am Parish Rooms - RebeccaHarlington Church - Holy Communion Service 9.30 am - Nigel, with RobertTingrith Church - No service this weekToddington Church - Holy Communion Service 11.00 am - LindaWestoning Church - Holy Communion Service 11.00 am - NigelNo Upper Room this week. We recommence next SundayNext week's services and events:MondayMorning Prayer, Toddington Church, 9.30 amTuesdayKnitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington, 10.30 am to 12.00 noonWestcaf, at Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 noonSewing Bees at Westoning Village Hall 1.00 – 3.00 pmWednesdayMorning Service 10.00 am Harlington ChurchThursdayAfternoon with Friends, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington, 2.00 – 4.00 pmFridayArt/painting group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington 2.00 - 4.00 pmLittle Stars, Westoning Church 1.15 - 2.45 pmFriday Fellowship, Westoning Village Hall, 2.00 – 4.00 pmYouth Club, Westoning Village Hall - after school - Link with Rebecca for more information.SaturdayCoffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington 10.00 am -12.00 noonSadly, January Messy Church could not take place this month at Toddington, but we very much look forward to getting together again on Friday 4th February, 3.15 to 5.30 pm. I'm very sorry for any disappointment caused.Rebecca will be in touch about future plans for Toddington Youth group. We are looking to meet up in February.Please hold in your prayers those who are sick and those who are isolated or bereaved.We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Do get in touch with us if you would like a chat, a visit or a prayer.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello everyoneAnd so we are in Christmas Week. The lights are up, trees are twinkling, schools have finished for their Christmas holiday after a flurry of special events. The other day I was asked to go and speak to the young children about how Christians celebrate Christmas.. so as I am lifting the beautiful knitted Baby Jesus out of the box, resting in his manger there was an excited shout out before me.. there's Santa.. as Santa indeed walked past the window and waved happily, and the children bounced with excitement at the sight. It reminded me of how much I used to love taking the children to see Santa, shopping, enjoying the music playing in the background, decorating the home and sharing time together. Time with children is so special. Although, I did reflect with some sadness that baby Jesus lost out on this occasion.. the sight of a little baby in a manger did not manage to compete with Santa.And so, I have continued to reflect this week on the contrast of the pull of this material world against the simplicity of the first Christmas. Mary and Joseph, were called by God to leave their family and familiar surroundings, to travel a long difficult journey to somewhere remote, with Mary heavily pregnant. Arriving in Bethelehem there were no plush guest rooms or hotels for them, no family saying come in have a warm drink.. welcome. Instead, they found themselves destitute, in need of help, at the point of Mary about to give birth. Rescued by a considerate Inn-Keeper who offered his stable, the only place available - and here in this lowly place Jesus the 'Messiah' was born - a king, born in lowly surroundings, without a crown.. just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And then.. the Angel visited the Shepherds in the fields, lowly and outcast by society but called by God to be the first to visit the baby Jesus, to bow down to him, to worship Him and to symbolically offer a lamb. God knelt down and blessed those who seemed unimportant, thought unworthy of by society, and he lifted them up and called them forth to see the most wonderful sight... he 'kissed them on the cheek' and blessed them. Next the wise men or the 'Sages' of their time.. came to visit. They had set off months before, led to find the baby Jesus by a bright star shining in the sky. They brought gifts.. special gifts.. gold, frankincense and myrrh.. gifts of great symbolic importance which heralded Jesus' death at Easter. Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, our Lord, was born in love, swaddled in love, visited in love, ministered to all he met in love and he died out of the most incredible sacrifice of love for us all.This week as my reflections continued I thought about families who are struggling to cope this year, with rising prices, and so many pressures placed on them by expectation and society's demands.. and I (and many of you) gained pleasure in gathering together hampers to give to certain families in need.. extending the hand of love.. keen to 'kiss them on the cheek' to say, you are loved. Let us share this burden together. Thank you to all who helped, to all who contributed. Anything which remains will be sent to the foodbank as need is very high this year.I posted a picture on the church facebook pages this week which says we are all innkeepers.. but will we let Jesus in this year?And so Santa may be a modern representation of Jesus.. the giver, the happy, cheery voice of joy to those he meets, but for me, Jesus is the reason for the season. It is Jesus who we come to worship this Christmas.Here are our services for this Sunday:Chalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy CommunionToddington Church 11.00 am Holy CommunionTingrith Church Nativity Service 3.00 pmHarlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion ServiceWestoning Church Nativity themed service 11.00 am - please come dressed as a nativity character if you wish.Online zoom Upper Room Service 6.00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88981856814?pwd=SlArT05NMXZ3ckNLSENGTDB1b3Q5Zz09For details of how to join please contact Revd LindaNext week's services:Monday 20th December 9.30 am Morning Prayer Toddington,11.00 am Advent Course at the Rectory, ToddingtonThe Coming Light, Harlington 8.00 pm - a service of readings and carols with the Quintet ChoirWednesday 22nd DecemberA Service of lessons and carols with the Quintet Choir 7.30 pm ToddingtonHarlington Churches Together sing carols outside the parade of shops with the Salvation Army Band 6.30 pmThursday 23rd DecemberFuneral at Chalgrave Church 1.00 pmWedding at Harlington Church 2.00 pmFriday 24th December - Christmas Eve Chalgrave3.00 pm Crib Service 11.15 pm Midnight MassToddington4.30 pm Crib Service10.00 pm Midnight MassHarlington (you are advised to please book places on the church website)Crib Service 4.15 pmMidnight Communion 11.15 pmTingrith8.00 pm Christmas CommunionWestoningCrib services 3.00 pm and 5.30 pm (you are advised to please book places on the church website)10.00 pm Christmas CommunionChristmas Day and Boxing Day servicesChalgrave no services at church. We will join a benefice service at Toddington ChurchToddington - 9.30 am Holy Communion on Christmas Day and 10.00 am Holy Communion on Boxing Day (both are benefice services)Harlington: 10.00 am Christmas day family service (no communion), Boxing Day 9.30 am Holy CommunionWestoning: 10.00 am Christmas Day Communion Service and 11.00 am Boxing Day Holy Communion ServiceTingrith: No services at church. We will join a benefice service at Westoning Church.As we look forward to this week Nigel and I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas. We thank you for all your support, giving in so many different ways, for your enthusiasm, for your love and for being very special church family. May you enjoy a blessed, joyful and healthy Christmas.We send our love to youLinda and Nigel
